Packing a painting can be intimidating. It doesn't matter if it's a framed print or an oil painting that's been in the family for decades: as soon as you take it down and think about putting it in the car—or worse, sending it by courier—the question arises: What if it breaks?
Don't worry. With the right materials and twenty minutes, a painting or mirror can travel safely. This is the method we recommend daily to clients who move artwork, mirrors, and televisions.
If you prefer to go straight to the materials, here are the boxes for paintings, canvases, and televisions.
What you need before you start
- Telescopic box for paintings. Adjusts to the exact size of the piece. We have two sizes: up to 81x69 cm (€7.95 VAT included) and up to 130x81 cm (€15.50), both reinforced double-wall.
- Kraft paper or foam for the first layer, the one that touches the artwork — 2 mm foam roll.
- Bubble wrap for the outer padding.
- Corrugated cardboard roll if you're packing mirrors or several paintings — 90 cm x 25 m roll.
- Adhesive tape and a marker.
How to pack a painting step-by-step
- Make an X with tape on the glass. If the frame has glass, cross painter's tape from corner to corner. It won't prevent breakage, but if it happens, it keeps the fragments together and protects the print.
- First layer: kraft or foam. Never direct bubble wrap. Wrap the piece in kraft paper or foam. On oil, acrylic, or lacquered surfaces, direct contact with bubble wrap can leave marks—the famous bubble indentations.
- Protect the corners. They are the most vulnerable to impact. Use foam corner protectors or, failing that, L-shaped folded cardboard secured with tape.
- Second layer: bubble wrap. Now you can. Two complete wraps with the bubbles facing outwards, and tape at the seals.
- Into the telescopic box. Adjust the two halves until the painting is secure. The golden rule: if something rattles inside when you gently move the box, it needs more filling.
- Seal in an H shape. Close all seams of the box. We show you the technique in how to seal a box to support more weight.
- Mark the box. "Fragile" and "this side up," on at least two sides. Here you'll find the meaning and use of all packaging symbols.
Mirrors and glass: the sandwich trick
With a mirror, the method changes a bit. After the X of tape and wrapping, place it between two corrugated cardboard sheets slightly larger than the mirror and seal the entire assembly on all four sides. This rigid sandwich distributes any impact across the entire surface.
Then, into its telescopic box like any other painting. And always vertically—a mirror laid flat is a mirror in danger.
Sending it by courier?
Then the demands go up a notch. Parcel services stack, flip, and sort on automatic belts, so:
- Double-wall box is mandatory (our picture boxes already are).
- Zero gaps. Fill any empty spaces: internal movement breaks more paintings than external impacts.
- Declare the value and get insurance if the piece warrants it.
From a logistical perspective, here your artwork is the product, and all the protection is secondary packaging: the layer that ensures the delivery. We also have general tips for transporting delicate products in cardboard.
During a move
If the painting travels with the rest of the house, three rules: always vertically (never laid flat under weight), never put it "between mattresses"—it will rub and get scratched—and in the truck, place it between stable furniture that cannot shift.
Mark it well so you know what it is and which room it goes to. Our guide to organizing moving boxes will be helpful.
Frequently asked questions
Can bubble wrap touch the canvas?
Better not, especially if it's oil, acrylic, or a delicate surface: in direct contact and with heat, it can leave marks. Use a first layer of kraft or foam, and the bubble wrap on the outside. For framed prints with glass, there is less risk, but the rule is easy to apply consistently.
How do I transport a large painting in the car?
Vertically, resting against the back of the rear seat or secured in the trunk with blankets, and fastened with a seatbelt or straps to prevent it from tipping over during braking. Avoid direct sunlight: heat inside a car damages varnishes and adhesives.
What box do I need for a mirror?
A flat telescopic box that fits its dimensions. At TeleCajas, we have boxes for paintings and mirrors with double-wall up to 130x81 cm, starting from €7.95 including VAT and delivered in 24-48 hours in peninsular Spain, Balearic Islands, and Portugal.
Can a valuable painting be sent by courier?
Yes, it's done constantly—galleries and artists send artwork daily. The key is in the packaging (double layer, protected corners, rigid box with no gaps) and declaring the value with insurance. For very valuable pieces, consider specialized art transport.
And if you get stuck with measurements…
Write to us on WhatsApp at +34 665 53 23 58 with the dimensions of your painting or mirror, and we'll tell you which box fits. Free shipping on orders over €50, and orders placed before 5 PM ship the same day.
